Extending the Groceries Supply Code of Practice (GSCoP) to all areas of the supply chain has topped the list of Welsh farmers’ priorities ahead of the general election.
The ten policy asks, launched today (24 March) by NFU Cymru, also include “mandatory and unambiguous” food labelling, science-led policymaking that tackles issues such as GM 'without emotion', and a commitment to open more export markets.
The union said that public sector procurement should place greater emphasis on quality marks like PGI and assurance standards such as Red Tractor, rather than making decisions based on cost.
“We would now like to see the Groceries Code Adjudicator equipped with the powers and resources it needs to pro-actively launch investigations in to the conduct of the large supermarkets, and an extension of the Groceries Supply Code of Practice to all links in the supply chain,” NFU Cymru said.
The union's president, Stephen James, said: “While the majority of farming issues are now determined by devolved government, there are still some important aspects determined by Westminster.
“This is our opportunity to set out the actions we would like an incoming Westminster Government to take to allow the industry to respond and change and continue to provide solutions for the nation.”
NFU Cymru said it also wants the next government to introduce a stable Annual Investment Allowance alongside a new Farm Infrastructure Allowance, both of which 'adequately reflect the sectors’ need for capital' and provide tax relief for agricultural equipment.
James added: “We are delighted that our Extended Profit Averaging policy ask has already been delivered as part of last week’s budget announcement. We are very pleased that the chancellor said that he had listened to the union and will allow farmers to average their incomes over five years.”
Local representatives from all of Wales’ main political parties were expected to attend this morning’s manifesto launch, which took place on a farm in Ceredigion, Mid Wales.
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